Life has its cycles; historical, rhythmical, and natural. I have noticed so do I. The cycle that I have been honoring of late is the way in which my life and my body mirrors the cycles of Nature.

Nature serves me as a mirror, reflecting to me patterns and actions that resonate within me. As we move through the transition month of November I feel myself moving into my preparations for the winter months ahead. I notice my time and energies are focused on wrapping up projects that were begun this autumn. I bring them into a place of closure, most complete. Those that need the respite of winter to lay dormant and percolate in the slower months of pause will be resurrected in the spring to see what will be birthed.

I feel my body transitioning as well. I notice shifts in my sleep cycle as I retire earlier and awaken before the sun, hot cup of tea in hand and energies at a slower but steady pace. I feel a longing to hunker down, to not be among the crowds, but rather walking in the snow, listening to the trees creaking and swaying or sitting before the fire meditating with the flames. My fuel choices for my body shift with the seasonal availability as well. No longer will the fresh greens from the farmers market be available, but instead I will turn to the root vegetables and stored seeds and grains. Dig deep the roots remind me.

Dig deep and use this time to do some inner work, because now is the time. I will visit the goddess Inana and do down to the depths to return with the freedom found and the treasures to welcome to the awakening of spring. I will sit with Hestia, goddess of the hearth and spend time with family building the inner relations that memories are made from as we celebrate the many holidays and family birthdays of the winter months.

It feels as though my body and soul have a natural response to the changing seasons that surround me. I use them as reminders, mirrors and guides. I feel the cycles weave through my days and months and years. I recall the seasonal changes of my life over time and find comfort in the rhythmic flow that is there.

Using Nature as a map to guide and direct me feels like a natural tool. Her consistency brings direction. Her wisdom brings assurance. Her beauty brings wonder. As winter in New England begins to present itself, I look forward to the practices and the patterns that will surely come as well as the wonder and delight that will be found as I go to my inner cave to just Be.